President William Ruto has prohibited the importation of wheat and maize.
Ruto stated in a statement that no importation permit will be issued to millers for the importation of the two food items.
Ruto added that the move will protect farmers, who are expecting a bumper harvest as a result of this year’s rains.
“No permits will be issued to millers to import wheat or maize into the country. President William Ruto said the move is aimed at protecting local farmers,” State House noted in a statement.
“He said the Government will only deviate from the directive if the local produce is insufficient. The President pointed out that the Government will allocate Ksh 4 billion to buy maize from farmers.”
Ruto made the statement while meeting with a delegation of Narok County grassroots leaders at the State House.
He also warned farmers to be wary of people who were out in the market to take advantage of them.
“We ask our farmers not to sell their produce at throw-away prices,” he stated.
On the other hand, he stated that the government intends to purchase driers for farmers for as little as Ksh50.
Ruto explained that the driers will be useful because parts of the country are already experiencing rain.
“Even if farmers don’t want to sell their maize to NCPB, they will have an opportunity to dry their produce at the State agency and store it,” he added.
